35 Millionen Menschen.
16 Millionen Beschäftigte.
Eine Schienenverbindung.

Success story

of the Main Line for Europe

From idea to European main artery:

The Magistrale for Europe has had a lasting impact on cross-border rail transport. Its milestones tell the story of a project that is bringing Europe closer together by rail.

2024

Closing the gap between Ulm and Augsburg

Foto DB AG Thomas Kiewning

Deutsche Bahn submits route proposals to further strengthen the main line and improve the connection between Ulm and Augsburg in the long term. The Bundestag’s decision on the project is the next decisive step.

2023

Commissioning of the new Wendlingen–Ulm line

The 120 km line significantly reduces travel time between Stuttgart and Munich and increases long-distance transport capacity considerably.

2022

New Nightjet Vienna–Paris

Three times a week, an ÖBB Nightjet, in cooperation with SNCF and DB, connects Vienna directly with Paris, facilitating comfortable travel between the two cities via numerous intermediate stops.

2021

Filstal Bridge Wendlingen–Ulm

The bridge, which is around 500 meters long and 85 meters high, is the third-highest railway bridge in Germany. It symbolizes innovative engineering and strengthens the performance of the main line.

2020

Stuttgart as a digital rail hub

Using state-of-the-art ETCS technology, a model project for networked, safe, and punctual rail transport is launched, the findings of which will be transferred to the entire region.

2017

Capacity increases in Bavaria and Austria

A second track between Mühldorf and Tüssling, a third track between Freilassing and Salzburg, and the new St. Pölten freight train bypass increase capacity, reduce congestion, and improve reliability in passenger and freight transport.

2016

Baudrecourt–Vendenheim high-speed line

The Paris–Strasbourg–southwestern Germany high-speed connection is significantly strengthened, accelerating cross-border traffic.

2015

Completion of Vienna Central Station

The main line gains a state-of-the-art international hub that takes Central European mobility to a new level.

2011 - 2012

Upgraded lines in Germany and Austria

The Augsburg–Munich and St. Pölten–Vienna lines, including the partial commissioning of the new Vienna Central Station, open up modern connections for regional and international travelers.

2010

Strasbourg–Kehl Rhine bridge

The new double-track bridge strengthens the connection between Germany and France and increases the capacity of the main line.

2007

New Danube bridge Ulm–Neu-Ulm & high-speed line Paris–Baudrecourt

The four-track Danube bridge, the new Ulm–Augsburg line, and connecting projects represent a milestone in modern infrastructure. At the same time, the 300 km Paris–Baudrecourt high-speed line opens up new dimensions in cross-border mobility: TGV trains connect Paris, Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, Ulm, Augsburg, and Munich quickly and comfortably.

2005

Appointment of the EU coordinator

Prof. Dr. Péter Balázs becomes the first EU coordinator for the Paris–Bratislava priority project (PP17) and actively supports the Main Line as part of the Rhine-Danube Corridor at European level.

2004

Part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)

The Main Line is included as a central axis in the priority projects of the TEN-T, thus gaining international strategic importance.

1992

Treaty of La Rochelle

Germany and France sign the legal basis for the high-speed connection between Paris and southwestern Germany – a decisive step for the expansion of the Main Line.

1991

Founding of the Main Line for Europe

The initiative begins and lays the foundation for an efficient, cross-border rail axis through Europe.